The Spring

August and September this year are becoming the months of viral infections, every 2 of 4 people I meet have either flu or other respiratory problems. Days are warmer but nights are quite cold and if you did not take proper care and managed these atmospheric changes you are bound to get ill. 

Once you are down with slight sour throat, nasal problems, headache and asthma could easily follow.

Patients of chronic sinus or asthma or even eczema would become the main targets of this season. So its better to switch off Air Conditioners at night and turn to the good old fashioned fans and natural wind, which are the most appropriate options.

If anyone of you or your children have continued asthma, nasal problems or sinus then you need to look around the places at home or work where you spend most of your time. 

House dust mites that cause respiratory and skin problems are not visible to the naked eye, are present in every country and in every environment.

 

The best ways to relieve yourself is to avoid having carpets in the house or at least in the bedrooms. If you must have carpet then choose short pile carpets since long pile carpets hold more dust. Timber and vinyl coverings are preferred along with other hard coverings, as they are easily cleaned. 

And yes avoid buying your children fluffy toys, and if you are a pet lover then it is better to keep your pets as far as as possible at night.

 

These dust mites simply love to stay in your wall-to-wall carpets, thick or velvety sofa covers and heavy curtains. So where possible, buy wooden, vinyl or leather furniture. Fully clothed or upholstered furniture can harbor mites. If you have upholstered furniture, vacuum it daily.

Wet and steam cleaning removes the mite from carpets more readily than vacuuming. However, research suggests that it only improves it by two thirds and the residual water left in the carpet may promote fungal growth.

Some people claim that only Karachi have such health issues but these problems are common in USA, England, Canada. Several American and British Universities have researched the causes of eczema, asthma and other respiratory problems and all of them agreed on one thing that the heavy, thick drapery materials are the favourite places for microscopic dust mites.

I can understand that for many people carpets are a matter of prestige, especially some ladies who just love their traditional decor, but dear ones the health of your family is more important than any decoration.

These are the core reasons for any continued health problems but if you take care of these environmental problems along with healthy eating and living habits, you can easily strengthen your immune system. Take care so you do not greet every latest viral infection in town with open arms.

Have a healthy day! ☺

Sonya Syed. (Day 445)